Piñon Awards
Honoring excellence in the nonprofit sector
Now in its 40th year, our annual Piñon Awards recognize local nonprofits making extraordinary contributions to northern New Mexico communities. First held in a board member’s living room, the awards ceremony has become a beloved fall tradition filling the La Fonda ballroom with supporters, community leaders, and friends new and old. Thank you for joining us in honoring the nonprofit leaders who make our region a better place for all.
Timeline
40th Annual
Piñon Awards
Guidelines
Eligibility guidelines
We welcome nominations from all members of the community — nonprofit staff and board members, funders, volunteers, past Piñon Award recipients, and all who join us in celebrating the local nonprofit sector.
Eligible nonprofits:
- have operated for at least three years in northern New Mexico;
- are a 501(c)(3) or tribal entity;
- have a proven track record;
- are located in or serve the Foundation's geographic area of service (Santa Fe, Mora, Rio Arriba, and/or San Miguel counties); and
- their work is aligned with one or more of the Foundation’s funding priorities: Arts & Culture, Animal Welfare, Civic & Economic Opportunities, Education, Environment, and Health & Human Services.
Award categories
Courageous Innovation Award
Quiet Inspiration Award
Resiliency Award
Tried & True Award
nominate
Know an exceptional organization?
Nominations for our 40th Annual Piñon Awards are open through Friday, May 8. Follow the link below to complete the nomination form. You'll be asked to provide general information about the nominee and upload a nomination letter (up to two pages in length, PDF format) that includes:
- A brief description of the nonprofit organization's overall mission, services, or programs
- Your reasons for nominating the organization, including how its work aligns with the award category you selected
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40th Annual Piñon Awards Ceremony
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Piñon Awards. Please join us at this beloved and time-honored event to celebrate this year's awardees and the vitality of our region's nonprofit sector. Tickets will go on sale in early September.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What organizations will be considered for the awards?
Who may do the nominating?
How do I send in a nomination?
When are nominations due?
sPonsors
Our corporate partners in philanthropy
We are proud to partner with these outstanding businesses in fostering a culture of community philanthropy:
Rio Grande Level
Pecos Level
Chama Level
San Juan Level
Galisteo Level
sPonsors
Our corporate partners in philanthropy
We are proud to partner with these outstanding businesses in fostering a culture of community philanthropy:
Rio Grande Level
Pecos Level
Chama Level
San Juan Level
Galisteo Level
Featured story
2025 Piñon Awards: Event Recap
On Tuesday, October 7, 2025, the Santa Fe Community Foundation presented its 39th Annual Piñon Awards, which honor northern New Mexico's vital nonprofit sector. We invite you to relive this magical evening by browsing photos and videos from the event.
partners
Our corporate partners
Thank you to our generous Corporate Partners for supporting the 40th Annual Piñon Awards:
Leaders
Patrons
La Fonda on the Plaza
JP Morgan Chase
Friends
St. Vincent Hospital Foundation
Modern Elder Academy
Stephanie Duran Veritas Real Estate Partners
Graystone Consulting from Morgan Stanley
Supporters
Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits
In-Kind Supporters
New Mexico Piñon Coffee
Sky Cinemas
The latest on Piñon Awards
St. Elizabeth Shelter
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